India mandates 20C minimum for air conditioner settings to conserve energy

In an effort to address the growing energy crisis in India, the government proposed a new rule aimed at limiting the temperature settings on new air conditioners. The initiative was proposed by the power minister in June 2025, reflecting a broader strategy to conserve electricity in a country with a rapidly increasing demand for energy-driven appliances. Air conditioners have become significant contributors to peak energy demand, accounting for about 25% of electricity consumption during high usage periods. This growing reliance on energy-intensive air conditioning units has raised concerns regarding India's high emissions rates, significantly linked to the country's fossil fuel reliance. India's energy landscape is characterized by a dual peak usage pattern in major cities, particularly notable during the sweltering afternoons and late at night when individuals seek relief from the heat. With climate change further exacerbating temperatures, the government initiated the Mission Life program in 2022, which encourages citizens to reduce energy consumption through various means. However, community reactions to the proposed temperature limit are mixed; many express concern regarding the potential discomfort this change may entail during intense heat. Advocates for the rule view it as a necessary step towards achieving greater energy efficiency, even as some individuals argue that enforcing stricter energy efficiency standards may yield better results. Energy experts, including those from the University of California, Berkeley, have emphasized that improving the efficiency of existing air conditioning units remains crucial for reducing overall electricity consumption. The proposal to set a maximum air conditioning temperature aligns with ongoing discussions about potential energy-saving measures and suggests a gradual shift in domestic energy use patterns. The challenge of replacing about 80 million older, inefficient air conditioner models also looms large, and supplementary policies will likely be required to tackle this issue effectively. While the suggested temperature adjustments aim to reduce energy demand, the reality of living in cities with extreme climates raises questions about the practical implications for everyday life. For instance, individuals in humid areas like Chennai express fears of increased discomfort if they cannot lower their air conditioning units sufficiently. Feedback from the public includes a sense of nostalgia for times without air conditioning, alongside a recognition that many have grown accustomed to its convenience. Urban development strategies, such as planting trees, are suggested as alternative ways to combat the heat, highlighting the need for integrated solutions to this multi-faceted problem. As India navigates its electrification goals, the balance between comfort, efficiency, and sustainable practices emerges as a critical consideration for all stakeholders involved.